Birding in Lhasa City
Lhasa is capital and the largest city of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China which has a history of 1300 years. With an average elevation of over 4,000 meters, Tibet is known as the roof of the world. The climates of Tibet present zonal distribution that the northwestern part is two-third while the southeast is humid and warm. Tibet mainly consists of northern Tibetan plateau which covers two-thirds of its territory, southern Tibetan valleys, and eastern alpine valleys which is part of Hengduan Mountain Ranges. Lhasa lies in south-central Tibet, to the north of the Himalayas. It covers an area of 29,274 square kilometres of rugged and sparsely populated terrain, with around 300,000 residents. Tibetan Buddhism and monastic life have been dominant aspects of the local culture since the 7th century. The unique Tibetan customs and religious culture are great additions for traveling in Tibet, there are many exciting cultural and historical sites such as the Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Xiongse Temple.
The city boundaries roughly correspond to the basin of the Lhasa River, a major tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. It lies on the Lhasa terrane, the last unit of crust to accrete to the Eurasian plate before the continent of India collided with Asia about 50 million years ago and pushed up the Himalayas. The terrane is high, contains a complex pattern of faults, and is tectonically active. The temperature is generally warm in summer and rises above freezing on sunny days in winter. Most of the rain falls in summer. The upland areas and northern grasslands are used for grazing yaks, sheep, and goats, while the river valleys support agriculture with crops such as barley, wheat and vegetables. Wildlife is not abundant but includes the rare snow leopard and black-necked crane. There are many fascinating birding sites such as Norbulingka, Lhalu Wetland, Xiongse Temple, etc.
Some Important Birding Sites in Lhasa
Xiongse Temple
Located to the southwest of Lhasa, Xiongse Temple is the biggest Nuns' temple in Tibet. It is also a nice place to see Tibetan Eared Pheasant. While other exiting species inhibit here including Tibetan Snowcock, Tibetan Partridge, Tibetan Blackbird, Giant Babax, White-browed Tit Warbler, Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch, Pink-browed Rosefinch, Brown-cheeked Laughingthrush, etc.
Norbulinka
Norbulingka is a palace and surrounding park in Lhasa, built from 1755. It served as the traditional summer residence of the successive Dalai Lamas from the 1780s. Part of the "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace", Norbulingka is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was added as an extension of this Historic Ensemble in 2001. It was built by the 7th Dalai Lama and served both as the administrative centre and religious centre. It is a unique representation of Tibetan palace architecture. The park was so large and well-laid-out, that you can enjoy the beauty of the environment. You can find some interesting bird species including Eurasian Hoopoe, Prince Henry's Laughingthrush, Tibetan Blackbird, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Derbyan Parakeet, etc.
Lalu Wetlands National Nature Reserve
Lalu Wetlands National Nature Reserve, also known as Lhasa Wetlands Nature Preserve, protects 625 hectares (1,540 acres) of wetlands in the center of Lhasa City. The wetlands are completely surrounded by Lhasa and constitute the largest urban park in the world and the largest urban wetlands in the world. Here you have chance to see Bar-headed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Mallard, Goosander, Rufous Turtle Dove, Brown-headed Gull, Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Grey-backed Shrike, White-winged Redstart, Brown Accentor, Citrine Wagtail, etc.
Lhasa River
The Lhasa River is a northern tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River in the south of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Lhasa River is to the south of Lhasa, you can find some interesting species including the Ruddy Shelduck, Goosander, Hill Pigeon, Black-headed Gull, Brown-headed Gull, Pallas's Gull, Red-billed Chough, Sykes's Short-toed Lark, Oriental Skylark, Eurasian Crag Martin, Robin Accentor, Brown Accentor, Streaked Rosefinch, Twite, etc.
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